Chlorine – norms, interpretation of results, causes of hyperchloraemia

Proven content

Chlorine (Cl) is the main anion of the extracellular water space. About 88% of the total chlorine content is in the extracellular space, the remaining 12% – inside the cells. Blood chlorine concentration is tested, among other things, in the event of water disturbance. The material needed for the test is serum.

Chlorine – What Is It?

Chlorine is found in all fluids in the human body, especially in those outside the cells (including blood plasma) – in the form of negative ions, i.e. anions. The greatest amount of chlorine is delivered to the body in the form of table salt (it is a combination of chlorine and sodium). It is also used to produce hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

Under normal conditions, the blood chlorine level is regulated in parallel with the sodium concentration, mainly influenced by the hormones in the kidneys (aldosterone and vasopressin). They cause sodium and chlorine to be retained in the body. On the other hand, its excretion is increased under the influence of natriuretic hormones. The appropriate concentration of chlorine in the body is needed for the proper acid-base balance of the body, the work of cells and the regulation of the amount and distribution of water.

Chlorine excretion occurs in the kidneys, and in smaller amounts it may be excreted in sweat or faeces. It is important to maintain the appropriate concentration of chloride to maintain the correct acid-base balance, regulate the amount and distribution of water in the body and the work of cells.

The main source of chlorine is salt, beets, grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, meat, eggs. Chlorine is also found in seafood and freshwater fish (capelin, mackerel, hake, carp, salmon, tuna, flounder).

Also read: Macronutrients in the human body

Chlorine – indications for the study

At the beginning, it should be mentioned that chlorine is rarely marked as an independent parameter, most often the level of other electrolytes is additionally performed. Symptoms suggesting disturbances in the proper level of electrolytes include:

1. headaches and dizziness,
2. nausea and vomiting
3. tiredness,
4. seizures
5. fainting
6. in extreme cases, loss of consciousness and death.

We perform chlorine testing in the following cases:

1. Disorders of the water management (dehydration, refraining from eating and drinking).
2. Loss of electrolytes through the gastrointestinal tract (vomiting, diarrhea, gastric suctioning).
3. Disorders of the acid-base balance.
4. Headaches and dizziness.
5. Tiredness.

Blood chlorine testing is also practiced as part of the evaluation general health and monitoring of treatment with certain medications (e.g. diuretics).

Chlorine concentration in the body – preparation for the test

Test material: blood serum

Preparation for the chlorine test: you do not need to prepare yourself for the test, but it is recommended to do it on an empty stomach (at least 8 hours), as many factors affect the level of electrolytes. It is recommended that you do not drink alcohol and do not engage in heavy physical activity the day before the test.

In addition, it is good to inform your doctor about the medications you are taking and about any recent illnesses. If you are a carrier of such pathogens as: HIV and HCV also inform your doctor.

The course of the study: one-time blood sampling from a vein in the arm.

Chlorine result waiting time: 1 Day.

Norma Choru: 95-105 mmol/l.

Comments: Changes in the concentration of chlorine most often accompany changes in the concentration of sodium ions. The role of chloride ions in the body is – along with sodium, potassium and bicarbonate ions – to regulate fluid volume and maintain acid-base balance.

Chlorine ensures the electrical indifference of the cellular environment. It is found in the diet in the form of sodium chloride, i.e. table salt. Its excess is excreted through the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.

See: How important is blood count?

Chlorine test – interpretation of results

Blood chloride values ​​/ norms:

1. 98-106 mEq / l (equivalent 98-106 mmol / l) – normal value,
2. below 70 or above 120 mEq / l – values ​​that may be life-threatening.

The above-mentioned standards may differ from each other, depending on the method used for determination.

The correct level of chlorine ions in the blood means: no deviations and disorders, or an early stage of the disease that has not yet had time to change the value of chloride ion concentration. Abnormalities in the concentration of chlorine ions are in most cases accompanied by disturbances in the sodium balance.

Elevated levels of chloride in the blood may indicate a condition known as hyperchloraemia, and low levels of chloride may indicate hypochloraemia.

Read: Blood tests – how to read their results?

Hyperchloremia – What is it?

Hyperchloremia is an electrolyte imbalance that occurs when there is too much chloride in the blood. Chlorine is an important electrolyte that is responsible for maintaining the acid-base (pH) balance in the body, regulating fluids, and transmitting nerve impulses.

The kidneys play an important role in regulating the concentration of chloride in the body, so an imbalance of this electrolyte may be related to a disruption of their functioning. It can also be caused by other conditions, such as diabetes or severe dehydration, that can affect the kidneys’ ability to maintain electrolyte balance.

Symptoms that may indicate hyperchloraemia are usually related to the underlying cause of the high chloride levels. Often this is acidosis where the blood is just too acidic. These symptoms can include:

1. general fatigue of the body,
2. muscle weakness
3. increased thirst,
4. dry mucous membranes,
5. high blood pressure.

Some people may not experience any noticeable symptoms of hyperchloraemia. The condition is sometimes not even noticed before a routine blood test.

Hyperchloremia – causes

Like sodium, potassium and other electrolytes, the concentration of chloride in the body is carefully regulated by the kidneys. They are responsible for filtering the blood and maintaining its stable composition, which allows the body to function properly.

Hyperchloremia occurs when the chloride levels in your blood become too high. This condition may arise as a result of:

1. taking too much saline in hospital, for example during an operation
2. chronic or acute kidney disease
3. consuming a lot of salt water
4. bromine poisoning caused by drugs containing bromides
5. renal or metabolic acidosis,
6. respiratory alkalosis, a condition that occurs when the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood is too low (such as when a person is hyperventilating)
7. long-term use of medicines called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, which are used to treat glaucoma, among other things,
8. loss of body fluid as a result of prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, sweating or a high fever (dehydration).

An excess of chlorides in the body can be dangerous to health and life. Their excess may contribute to the formation of:

1. kidney stones
2. difficulties in recovery in case of kidney injury,
3. kidney failure
4. heart problems,
5. muscle problems
6. coma.

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